Find out what to pay attention to when buying your first drone and check specific models that are worth choosing in 2024.
Drones have been a hit for several years now, not only among technology geeks, but also among those who are simply looking for a new, engaging hobby. Photos and videos from the air have that “something” – a different angle of view, new shots of landscapes, and the fun of controlling a small machine floating above the heads of passers-by (observing common sense and regulations, of course!). If you are just starting your adventure with these buzzing devices, you are probably wondering what to pay attention to so as not to end up with a poor model that will only discourage you. In 2024, the choice is really wide – from simple toys to semi-professional machines. Below you will find some tips and suggestions to help you choose your first drone.
What should you pay attention to when buying your first drone?
When choosing your first drone, you must remember that it is still something new – both for you and your wallet. There’s no point in buying the most expensive equipment just because you’ve seen rockers on YouTube doing epic stunts in the mountains or on the beaches of Bali. Instead, it’s better to start slowly, with something more accessible. So what should you pay attention to?
- Flight stability: At first, you will learn the basics – how to take the drone off the ground, how to turn it and keep it in the air. A drone with good stabilization and automatic altitude control will give you more confidence. You won’t have to fight all the time to keep it from falling to the ground.
- Flight time: A good flight time for a fresher is around 15-20 minutes. If the drone only flies for 5 minutes, the fun will be over by the time you learn how to control it. It’s not about landing every now and then and replacing the battery. More time in the air means less stress and more time for training.
- Security: Nobody wants to smash their new drone against a wall or tree in the first week. Therefore, look for models with automatic return to home and obstacle avoidance sensors. Thanks to this, the stress before the first flight will decrease a bit, and the chance of losing the drone somewhere in the bushes will significantly decrease.
- Ease of use: In 2024, many drones have beginner modes. They limit your altitude and speed, giving you time to learn the controls. It’s nice if the drone takes off and lands with one button – you will appreciate this “autopilot”, especially at the beginning, when you don’t know exactly how to control it.
- Camera quality: If you dream of nice photos and videos, choose a drone with at least a Full HD camera. Sure, the quality won’t be the same as in super expensive models, but that’s not the point at the start. To start, all you need is something that will allow you to capture the landscape from a bird’s eye view without the effect of a video shot with a toaster.
The best drone suggestions for amateurs in 2024
Below are some specific models that regularly appear in rankings and recommendations. They have good reviews, good value for money and features that will be useful for a person taking their first steps in the world of drones.
DJI Mini 2 SE
DJI is a company that when it comes to drones is a bit like Apple when it comes to smartphones – it may be more expensive, but you have the impression that everything is refined. The Mini 2 SE is a lightweight drone (around 246g), so you don’t even need to register in many countries. It has a 2.7K camera – which is quite sufficient for the beginning – as well as image stabilization and GPS. In addition, the flight time is up to 31 minutes, which sounds really nice considering this price and size.
Ryze Tello
It’s actually an “educational drone”, created in cooperation with DJI. It is cheap, easy to use and durable. It has a 720p camera, which may not blow your mind, but it’s perfect for studying. Ryze Tello is great if you just want to get the hang of the controls without hurting your wallet. This little guy also has various automatic aerobatics modes and software stabilization, making flying a pure pleasure.
Potensic Atom SE
Potensic Atom SE is an interesting alternative to DJI. It has a 4K camera, which will allow you to shoot something more cinematic. The GPS system helps with flight stability and returning to the take-off point if something goes wrong. The drone is light, handy, and the flight time – similarly to the competition – is about 30 minutes. If you want something a bit more “pro” than the Tello, but still beginner-friendly, the Atom SE is worth a look.
DJI Mini 3
Mini 3 is a bit higher-end among DJI mini-drones, but still manageable for beginners. Equipped with a 4K HDR camera, it makes your videos look really nice, even if you’re still learning to fly. Light construction (less than 250 g) is a plus – less formalities and easier transport. In addition, up to 38 minutes of flight on one charge – this is a really solid result, which will give you a lot of time to practice more daring moves.
Some advice for new operators
- Adequate space: First, go outdoors. Meadows, empty fields, parking lots outside the city – places without trees, cables, buildings or people. Thanks to this, you will be able to focus on learning, instead of nervously looking around to see if you are about to hit something.
- Recipes first and foremost: Each country has its own rules regarding flying drones. There are specific regulations in Poland – check where you can fly and how high. Respect the privacy of others, do not look into anyone’s window, do not film other people’s plots without consent. This is not only a matter of law, but also of ordinary culture and common sense.
- Beginner mode: If your drone has one, use it. Slower movements, lower ceilings – all this reduces the risk of failure. The more time you spend calmly training, the faster you will gain confidence in your skills.
- Software updates: Regularly check whether the manufacturer has released any patches and improvements. Updates often improve stability, security and introduce new features. A few clicks and your drone can fly better and longer.
